lawprofessors

By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 Occasionally my clients take their very valuable time and write what we call "Success Stories."  These are little descriptions or comments about their education matter and my involvement.  I have recently been blessed with several coming in all at once and wanted to simply pass them on: two on expulsions and two on transfers.  It has been my pleasure to be involved in these matters and to help the students involved! "I would highly recommend Michelle Ball for cases involving education!  My child was expelled for bringing a small pocket knife to school.  Even though we were not contesting the fact he brought the pocket knife, we were definitely concerned that our District Office wanted to expel him for a whole year.  This is a kid that has great grades, active in school and community activities, never missed a day of school and never had any previous blemishes on his school record. ...

By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 On January 1, 2013, California Education Code �48900.5 improved when language describing specific  "other means of correction" which must precede certain suspensions expanded.  But was this a "real" improvement or just smoke and mirrors?  Both. When I reviewed the legislative changes initially, I was excited.  However, when I delved into what the nuts and bolts were of the changes to Education Code �48900.5 , the excitement faded.  Section 48900.5 appears to limit when schools can impose suspensions on students for certain offenses.  But, as school discretion remains to suspend students who may be dangerous, even on a first offense, �48900.5 remains weak for students. Frankly, schools perceive and justify almost ALL actions by students as "dangerous," in some way or another and so will try to skirt �48900.5.  If you don't believe me, check the recent stories about students ...

By Michelle Ball, California Education Attorney for Students since 1995 Have you reapplied for an interdistrict (between two school districts) transfer and been denied?  California schools are holding tight to their students due to monetary and other considerations.  However, there is one bright spot which could help parents already on an approved interdistrict transfer: Education Code section 46600(a)(1) . Section 46600(a)(1) outlines some rules related to interdistrict transfers and states: "Once a pupil in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, is enrolled in a school pursuant to this chapter [e.g. interdistrict transfer] , the pupil shall not have to reapply for an interdistrict transfer, and the governing board of the school district of enrollment shall allow the pupil to continue to attend the school in which he or she is enrolled." (emphasis added) One exception (excluding students entering eleventh or twelfth grade in the upcoming year) requiring reapplic...